Welcome to the West Country Diary Dorset 2020.

14 January 202026 January 2020
Brownsea Bird Boats Nature Poole Join the National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and the RSPB for the rare opportunity to view one of the best autumn and winter bird spectacles in the UK and exclusive access to Brownsea Island when it is closed to the public. Price £12.50 to £25.00 Per Ticket

15 January 2020
Durlston Castle at Durlston Country Park Events at Durlston Country Park: Willow Weaving Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve, Swanage

15 January 2020 Open 11:15 - 12:15
Participatory Event Salway Ash, Bridport Our popular Nordic Walking in the vineyard resumes in the new year on The walk starts at 11.15am and are led by Julia and Paul from The Garden Studios in Bridport. Julia and Paul are passionate about exercise being accessible Furleigh Estate Wine Tours, West Dorset Price £10.00 Per Ticket

15 January 2020
Pinocchio - The Panto Theatre Ferndown On a quest to be truly alive, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto's workshop with Jiminy Cricket in tow. Their electrifying adventure takes them from alpine forests to Pleasure Island to the bottom of the ocean. Open 14:00 - 17:0013 February 2020to15 February 2020Open 18:30 - 23:00 Price £8.00to £12.00 Per Ticket

15 January 2020 to16 January 2020
Sleeping Beauty Ballet 21 Kingland Road, Poole Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet returns to Lighthouse Poole in 2020 with two Tchaikovsky favourites, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.

17 January 2020Open 19:30 - 21:30
Circus of Horrors Theatre Weymouth
The new Circus of Horrors show will be a celebration of the 25 years and will include an amazing phantasmaglorios amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape.

17 January 2020to18 January 2020
Dick Whittington - Pantomime Performance Swanage Dick Whittington goes off to London to seek his fortune. Guided by Fairy Bow-Bells, Dick and his pet cat, Tom, try to rid the world of rats, in particular the villainous King and Queen Rat and their evil little Ratlings.

Sat, Jan 18, 17:00
Family Film Night - Wonder Park Family Film Night - Wonder Park St Aldhelm's Church • Weymouth Free

Sat, Jan 18, 11:30 + 54 more events
Kingston Lacy Timed House Entry Tickets *January* National Trust - Kingston Lacy House • Dorset Free

18 January 2020
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Eastern Promise Open 19:00 The exotic and unknown are brought to life with this selection of mysterious masterpieces, featuring a selection of Khachaturian classics along with Schubert’s famous unfinished symphony.

18 January 2020to29 February 2020
Snowdrop season Open 10:00 - 16:00 Kingston Lacy, East Dorset Walk through the Kingston Lacy gardens at this time of year and you will find carpets of brilliant white. The snowdrop walk stretches through the 40-acre garden for one and a half miles. With 1000s of bulbs and 40 variety of snowdrops.

19 January 2020
Events at Durlston Country Park: Introduction to Orienteering Introduction to Orienteering Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve, Swanage

19 January 2020
Winter Warmers around Sherborne Open 19:15 - 15:459  People are often interested to know more about the place they live. There is no doubt that every town, village and house has a fascinating history and sometimes hidden secrets. Sherborne and surrounding localities offer a rich variety to choos. Venue Sherborne Walks, Sherborne

23 January 2020Open 19:30 -
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue Stage Tour 2020 21 Kingland Road, Poole BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2020 with its sell-out touring show. £28.75 Per Ticket

26 January 2020 Open 14:00 - 16:009
Live Music with Swanage Jazz Machine Food and Drink Swanage Sit back and listen to live music from the Swanage Jazz Machine in the Lounge Bar at the Grand Hotel with "views to dine for"

26 January 2020
JAZZ IN THE BAR LYME REGIS This exciting band takes a journey through the exuberant sounds and rhythms found in Brazil, from the virtuoso instrumental Choro music of Rio de Janeiro through to the uplifting songs of the Forró and Afro-Brazilian traditions in the northeast. The Marine Theatre, West Dorset

29 January 2020
The National Trust Fan Club High East Street, Dorchester Open 20:00 - Packed to the brim with Gore-Tex, cream teas, and a loyal canine assistant (when NT rules allow), Helen Wood takes you on a whirlwind tour of National Trust properties and outdoor spaces around Britain. Following a successful run at the Edinburgh.

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Dorset Diary

February 2020 Open 14:15 - 15:458
Winter Warmers around Sherborne
People are often interested to know more about the place they live. There is no doubt that every town, village and house has a fascinating history and sometimes hidden secrets. Sherborne Walks, Sherborne

23 February 2020 Open 14:00 - 16:008
Live Music with Swanage Jazz Machine Food and Drink Swanage Sit back and listen to live music from the Swanage Jazz Machine in the Lounge Bar at the Grand Hotel with "views to dine for".

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Dorset Events For March 2020

March 2020 Open 14:00 - 16:00
Live Music with Swanage Jazz Machine Food and Drink Swanage Sit back and listen to live music from the Swanage Jazz Machine in the Lounge Bar at the Grand Hotel with "views to dine for".
 

22 March 2020 Open 14:00 - 16:00
Live Music with Swanage Jazz Machine Food and Drink Swanage Sit back and listen to live music from the Swanage Jazz Machine in the Lounge Bar at the Grand Hotel with "views to dine for". 

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Dorset Events For April 2020

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Dorset Events For May 2020

10 May 2020 Open 14:00 - 16:00
Live Music with Swanage Jazz Machine Food and Drink Swanage Sit back and listen to live music from the Swanage Jazz Machine in the Lounge Bar at the Grand Hotel 

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Dorset Events For June 2020

Saturday 1st June 2020
Grand Gardening Fair Railway Gardens, Sturminster Newton. DT10 1FH
Open: 9am to 4pm Back for the third year and promising to be bigger and better, spruce up your garden this summer – and raise funds for local causes!
10 x large plant growers stalls, blacksmith & wicker demonstrations, Sturminster Newton Allotment Association, The Lavender Farm, Refreshments, pre-loved books, plus lots more.Free Parking and Entry

Sunday 2nd June 2020
The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair High West Street and High East Street, Dorchester. Open: 11am to 4pm High West Street and High East Street will be closed to traffic. So, come along to Dorchester’s first Victorian Street Fair to celebrate the 179th Birthday of one of Dorchester’s most famous residents. This will be a fun filled day for all the family, with an incredible array of Victorian and Thomas Hardy themed activities and demonstrations.

Friday 7th June 2020 to Sunday 9th June 2020
Poole Harbour Boat Show Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole. BH15 1HJ Open: 10am to 6pm each day
A three-day extravaganza bringing together a spectacular showcase of yachts and motor cruisers, tall ships, marine equipment, water sports gear and clothing, with taster sessions, live music and fireworks to keep the whole family entertained! The biggest free to attend boat show on the South Coast!/

Saturday 8th June 2020
Glanvilles Wootton Fete Church Farm, Glanvilles Wootton, Sherborne. DT9 5QE Open: 1pm to 4pm Flower Festival and Cookery Competition in the Church, Fun Dog Show, Barbecue, Meet the Alpacas, Silent Auction, Pimms Tent and Teas, games for all and lots of stalls.Entry: Adults £2 to include lucky programme, Children under 12yrs Free
 

9th June 2020
Poole Harbour Boat Show Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole. BH15 1HJ Open: 10am to 6pm each day A three-day extravaganza bringing together a spectacular showcase of yachts and motor cruisers, tall ships, marine equipment, water sports gear and clothing, with taster sessions, live music and fireworks to keep the whole family entertained! The biggest free to attend boat show on the South Coast!

Saturday 8th June 2020
Glanvilles Wootton Fete Church Farm, Glanvilles Wootton, Sherborne. DT9 5QE Open: 1pm to 4pm Flower Festival and Cookery Competition in the Church, Fun Dog Show, Barbecue, Meet the Alpacas, Silent Auction, Pimms Tent and Teas, games for all and lots of stalls. Entry: Adults £2 to include lucky programme, Children under 12yrs Free

Saturday 15th June 2020
Motcombe Fete & Scarecrow Festival Motcombe Memorial Hall, Motcombe. SP7 9PE Open: 12pm to Late Giant BBQ, All Day Bar, Live Music, Lots of Stalls, Arena Events, Fling Hawks, Running Pigs, Scarecrows  Everywhere, Dog Show and Evening Party.

Saturday 15th June 2020
Motcombe Fete & Scarecrow Festival Motcombe Memorial Hall, Motcombe. SP7 9PE Open: 12pm to Late Giant BBQ, All Day Bar, Live Music, Lots of Stalls, Arena Events, Fling Hawks, Running Pigs, Scarecrows
Everywhere, Dog Show and Evening Party.

Sunday 16th June 2020
Great Dorset Plant Fair Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury. DT3 4LA
Open: 10am to 3pm Unusual, difficult-to-find and some exotic plants available from more than 20 specialist nurseries & growers,  including National Collection Holders and RHS Chelsea Gold Medal Winners. Free car parking. Excellent refreshment & dining facilities. Admission: £7 (includes access to the attractive gardens)

Sunday 16th June 2020
Great Dorset Plant Fair Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury. DT3 4LA Open: 10am to 3pm Unusual, difficult-to-find and some exotic plants available from more than 20 specialist nurseries & growers, including National Collection Holders and RHS Chelsea Gold Medal Winners. Free car parking. Excellent refreshment & dining facilities. Admission: £7 (includes access to the attractive gardens)

Saturday 22nd June 2020
Fete on the Field King George V Field, Ferndown. BH22 9EZ Open: 11am to 5pm The ‘fete on the field’ is dedicated to raising much needed funds for the chosen sponsored charities of the 2019 event.Plenty of attractions, displays, live music and entertainment, truly a fern-tastic day out for the whole family.

Saturday 22nd June 2020
Fete on the Field King George V Field, Ferndown. BH22 9EZ Open: 11am to 5pm The ‘fete on the field’ is dedicated to raising much needed funds for the chosen sponsored charities of the 2019 event. Plenty of attractions, displays, live music and entertainment, truly a fern-tastic day out for the whole family.

Saturday 29th June 2020
Annual Family Dog Show Joseph Weld Hospice, Herringston Road, Dorchester. DT1 2SL Open: 11am to 4pm 7th Annual Dog show with plenty to do for all the family including the dogs! Enter your dog into judging categories for £1 a go with each category having rosettes and certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Entry £1 per person, under 3’s Free.

Sunday 30th June 2020
Purbeck Antiques and Vintage Fair Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. BH20 5AR Open: 10am to 4pm A popular indoors monthly antique fair Food and drink available Large free car park

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Dorset Events For July 2020

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Dorset Events For August 2020

Thursday 1st August  2020
Burton Bradstock Church Fete Rectory Garden, Church Street, Burton Bradstock. DT6 4QS Open: 2pm to 5pm A traditional village fete held in a beautiful Dorset village. Held in aid of St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund. Entry: £1

Saturday 3rd August  2020
Church Knowle Fete The Old Rectory, Church Knowle, Corfe Castle. BH20 5NG Open: 2pm to 5pm A traditional Village fete with fun for all the family, lots of children’s games and activities. Plenty of stalls, a Pimm’s tent, cream teas, BBQ and a Brass Band.

Sunday 4th August  2020
The Osmington Summer Fete Osmington Village Hall, Shortlake Lane, Osmington. DT3 6EX Open: 12pm to 4pm Come to a lovely old-fashioned style fete with something for all the family. Dog show – Beer Tent and lots more!

Thursday 8th August  2020
Summer Fete & Craft Fair Sandpit Field, Swanage. BH19 1NP Open: 10.30am to 4.30pm A popular annual Summer attraction with lots for the whole family to enjoy, including Stalls, rides and games. BBQ and food available all day as well as a Pimms and Prosecco bar.

Saturday 10th August  2020
Broadstone Horticultural Society Summer Show War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road, Broadstone. BH18 8AW Open: 1pm to 4.15pm We welcome both Society members and visitors to our show and hope that you’ll enjoy the exhibits and refreshments. Come and have a go on the raffle and tombola and buy plants ant cakes at the stalls. Admission: Adults £1, Children Free

Wednesday 14th August  2020
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show Turnpike Showground, Motcombe. SP7 9PL Open: 8.30am to 6.30pm With over 520 trade stand exhibitors there is an enormous choice available to visitors. The competitive sections include cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, poultry, rabbits, homecrafts, handicrafts, art and a huge range of classes for younger exhibitors, all of which need to be entered in advance. There is a full day of entertainment and displays in three rings, the east ring will have a full day of horse showing classes and show jumping classes. In the Turnpike Ring, countryside sports include ferret and terrier racing, birds of prey, sheep dogs and the dog & duck display a packed programme of exciting entertainment. Tickets on show day: Adults £16, Children (5-16) £4, Children under 5 Free, Family (2xA+3xC) £39

Sunday 18th August  2020
Purbeck Antiques and Vintage Fair Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. BH20 5AR Open: 10am to 4pm A popular indoors monthly antique fair Food and drink available Large free car park

Thursday 22nd August  2020
The Melplash Show The West Bay Show Grounds, Bridport. DT6 4EG Open: 8.30am to 6pm The Melplash Agricultural Society Show is one of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions. The show is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture. There are over 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors… and plenty in between! Dogs are welcome provided they are on lead but are not allowed in the Food Hall or livestock showing areas. Free parking available Tickets brought on the day: Adults £17, Children 16 and under Free

Thursday 22nd August  2020 to Monday 26th August  2020
Great Dorset Steam Fair Blandford Road, Tarrant Hinton. DT11 8HX Open: Car parks open 7am each day If you’re looking for an excellent fun and action-packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. You can stand amazed at the variety of exhibitions and the sheer scale of the show means that there is always something new to see. For the first time visitor seeing the Great Dorset Steam Fair can be quite an awe inspiring and impressive site, a sea of marquees and attractions that can take your breath for a moment. Individual on the Day Tickets Thursday to Sunday: Adult £25, Senior £ 22.50, Children (6-15) £8.50 Individual on the Day Tickets Monday: Adult/Senior £15, Children Free (show finishes at 5pm) Camping and evening tickets also available

Saturday 24th August  2020 to Sunday 25th August  2020
The Oak Fair Stock Gaylard Estate, Stock Gaylard, Sturminster Newton. DT10 2BG Open: 10am to 5pm each day The August Bank Holiday weekend will once again see the return of the Oak Fair for its fifteenth year! For those who haven’t visited before, the Oak Fair is a unique event celebrating woodcraft, timber, conservation, craft & the countryside, with something that will appeal to everyone from 1 to 100! We have over 200 exhibitors, traders and food stalls including a beer tent, cider tent and gin bar! Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on leads. Tickets: Adults £10, Concessions £8.50, Children (2-16).

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Dorset Events For September 2020

Sunday 1st September 2020
Autumn Plant Fair Athelhampton House & Gardens, Athelhampton, Dorchester. DT2 7LG Open: 10am to 3pm Features a large number of independent growers from across the South and South West. There will be a wide range of plants including grasses, alpines, herbs, perennials, climbers & shrubs plus some summer bedding and basket plants. Although the Fair finishes at 3pm our Gardens remain open until 5pm, so there is plenty of time to explore them afterwards. Entry: £7 and includes access to grounds and gardens.

7th September 2020 to Sunday 8th September 2020 Dorset County Show Dorchester Showground, DT2 7SD Open: 8.30am to 6pm each day Heavy Horses, Livestock, Countryside Ring, Food & Drink, Showjumping, Homecraft, Horticulture, Shopping, Trade Stands, Fabulous Food & Farming Education Area and much more. Well behaved dogs on non-extendable leads are welcome but are not allowed in the food halls/animal marquees or homecraft/horticultural marquees. Tickets on the day: £18, Children under 16 Free.

Saturday 14th September 2020
Weldmar Summer Fete Joseph Weld Hospice, Herringston Road, Dorchester. DT1 2SL Open: 11am to 4pm Come and join us for our traditional Summer Fete and help us raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare. With over 40 stalls, delicious food & drink and live entertainment on the Wessex FM Green. Static Displays including Vintage Vehicles and Goldwing bikes. Entry: £2 per adult, Children Free

Sunday 22nd September 2020
Country Fayre Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Church Knowle, Wareham. BH20 5NQ Open: 11am to 4pm Local Crafts to the finest produce, displays in the main ring and lots more! This is a day out for the whole family including your four-legged friends and all money raised will help our rescue animals. Tickets: Adults £4, Children (up to 12yrs) £2.50 (2018 prices)

Saturday 28th September 2020
Bridport Charter Fair Bucky Doo Square & Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport. DT6 3NJ Open: 9.30am to 2pm A yearly celebration of the granting of the royal charter to the citizens of Bridport. The fair includes live music, demonstrations and competitions.

Sunday 29th September 2020
Purbeck Antiques and Vintage Fair Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. BH20 5AR Open: 10am to 4pm A popular indoors monthly antique fair Food and drink available Large free car park

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Please ring the contact number for dates for annual events

Saturday 12th October 2020
Sherborne Book Fair Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. DT9 3NL Open: 10am to 4pm The Sherborne Book Fair has been a feature of life in this delightful Dorset town for over 40 years. The fair attracts booksellers from all over the Westcountry offering a great selection of books and Ephemera to suit all pockets. Homemade refreshments available.

Sunday 27th October 2020
Purbeck Antiques and Vintage Fair Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. BH20 5AR Open: 10am to 4pm A popular indoors monthly antique fair Food and drink available Large free car park Fetes, fairs and shows in Dorset – November 2019

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Sunday 3rd Novembert  2020
Antique Fair Allendale Centre, Wimborne. BH21 1AS Open: 9.30am to 4pm Quality antique and collectors fair within easy walking distance of Wimborne town centre and Wimborne Market. Up to 60 Stands – Refreshments – Parking nearby Admission: £2

Saturday 16th Novembert  2020
Christmas Craft Fayre and Open Day Masonic Centre, 1 Victoria Square, Portland. DT5 1AL Open: 11am to 3pm Lots of stalls from local crafters and artisans showcasing their homemade products. Refreshments available. Free Entry

Saturday 23rd Novembert  2020
Christmas Craft Fair Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne. BH21 1AS Open: 10am to 4pm Our Christmas Fair is now becoming an annual event, 2019 will be our 4th at Allendale House in Wimborne. The Georgian House is a lovely setting and it’s the place to find perfect Christmas presents for those very special individuals. There’ll be teas and coffees available as well as homemade cakes to sustain you whilst you browse! Free Entry.

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Dorset Events For December 2020

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Easter at Fleet Air Arm Museum, (01425) 478470.

Wimborne Horticultural Society (01202) 886343.

Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne, (01202) 883402

Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne,0845 130 2011.

Easter at Kingston Maurward Gardens 01305 215003

Easter Egg Hunt, Abbotsbury 01305 871387.

Wimborne Model (01202) 881924

Point to Point at Badbury Rings, 09068 446061.

Bluebells at Kingston Lacy (01202) 883402.

Shaftesbury Food Festival. (01747) 853514

River Pageant. Wimborne (01202) 883442

Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne. (01202) 883402.

Three Okeford’s Preservation Society (01747) 811311

Bournemouth Natural Science Society 01305 264620.

27th May, Highwood Gardens (01202) 433327

Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne (01202) 881924

Dorset Art Weeks, 01202 701828

Chettle House, near Blandford (01202) 842407.

Wimborne Book Fair (01258) 450808

Maypole dancing on village green (01258) 857373.

Wimborne Drama. Tivoli Theatre, (01202) 885566

Rocky Flower Show (01202) 734347

Kingston Lacy estate near Wimborne (01202) 883402.

Fipenny Fayre. country fair at Okeford (01258) 860415.

Shaftesbury Orchestra Concert (01747) 853788

Horton & Chalbury Fete. 07771 560128

St Stephen’s Church Fete, Pamphill, (01202) 886844.

Halstock's Annual Pram Race 01935 891781.

Puddletown Carnival Tel: 01305848416.

Gussage All Saints Village Fete, (01258) 841173

Melbury Abbas Vintage Weekend. (01747) 852265.

Wimborne St Giles Flower Festival. 01725 517624

Day of sport, adults, learning disabilities 01202 895698

Boat Race Day, rowing race. (01202) 883442.

Wimborne Art Exhibition and Sale. (01202) 886686.

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